Varsity soccer ends season 6-4-5

October 19, 2011

The Boardman High School boys soccer team concluded regular season action with three games this past week.

On Tuesday, the team traveled to Massillon to finish Federal League play against the Jackson Polar Bears in a game that ended in a 2-2 tie. The Spartans held a 2-0 halftime lead on the strength of junior Nico DiIanni's offensive performance. DiIanni opened the scoring only minutes into the game off an assist by senior Christian Silvestri and then assisted senior Mathew Horvatich's goal with 10 minutes remaining in the half. Junior Anthony Calautti had seven saves for BHS as goal keeper.

Jackson sealed its fifth consecutive Federal League title on Saturday by defeating North Canton Hoover, 3-1. Jackson, the top seed in the District tournament, finished the Federal League season with a record of 5-0-1. Boardman's 3-1-2 mark places them third in the league standings.

In the JV game against Jackson, the Spartans played effective defense, but failed to generate many scoring opportunities in a 2-0 loss. Freshman Brian Fryda had eight saves for the Spartans. The Boardman JV team ended the season with a 4-1-1 Federal League mark; second only to Jackson.

On Thursday, Boardman held their Senior Recognition game against crosstown rival Austintown Fitch. The Spartans' current record of not losing to the Falcons at either the varsity or JV level dates back to the 2003 season. Currently at 2,933 days, the streak is slightly longer than that of Ohio State's run against Michigan.

The JV team was able to continue that success with a 3-1 victory over Fitch. Sophomore Sam Mathey scored an unassisted goal shortly after halftime to break a 0-0 tie. Junior Danny Gotham scored his goal off an assist from junior Pete Ryan and then assisted freshman Vincent Mancini's goal to seal the game. Fryda had three saves for the Spartans.

The varsity game was suspended due to lightning with 5:02 remaining in the first half. Neither team had yet scored in the match. An effort will be made to reschedule for the conclusion of the game.

The final match of the season was held on Saturday against Mooney at the Valley Sports Complex in Struthers. The Spartans lost the match, 3-2. Sophomore Luke Marsco scored off a DiIanni assist, while Silvestri registered the second goal, assisted by Rober. Calautti had five saves for the Spartans, including one blocked penalty kick.

The JV team fell to the Cardinals, 1-0. Fryda tallied eight saves as keeper.

The varsity team finished the regular season with a record of 6-4-5, while the JVs ended at 11-3-2.